1934 Pierce Arrow 40A Tires

The 1934 Pierce Arrow 40A uses a 700-17 tire. This is a vintage numeric bias-ply size mounted on a 17-inch rim, and it is the primary fitment for the covered vehicle configuration on this page, including the 8 Cyl. sub-model.

That means the first step is confirming that the car still has the correct 17-inch wheels in place, especially if it has been stored, restored, or changed over the years. Once wheel diameter is confirmed, the remaining choice is usually between available tire series and sidewall styles rather than between different primary sizes.

The 1934 Pierce Arrow 40A uses a 17-inch rim with its 700-17 tire fitment. Product offerings in this size are built for 17-inch applications, with rim-width specifications that should also be checked against the wheel currently on the car.

Rim diameter is the non-negotiable starting point because a 700-17 tire must go on a 17-inch wheel. It is also smart to verify the actual wheel width before choosing among products, since some 700-17 tires are tied to a 4-inch rim while others allow a broader width range.

On a 1934 Pierce Arrow 40A, 700-17 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 7.00 portion refers to the nominal section width in inches, and the 17 identifies the rim diameter in inches.

This older sizing system does not read like a modern metric radial, so it helps to treat it as both a fitment specification and an appearance cue. For a prewar luxury car, keeping the correct size format matters because it affects how the tire fills the fender opening and how appropriate the car looks in profile.

Start with the correct 700-17 size and a bias-ply construction that suits the 1934 Pierce Arrow 40A. Then compare the tire series, sidewall treatment, rim-width specification, and practical details such as load rating and overall presentation for the type of restoration or driving the car will see.

A large prewar car often looks noticeably different depending on whether it wears blackwalls, wide whitewalls, or double whitewalls. It also helps to inspect the actual wheel dimensions before choosing, since the available 700-17 options do not all share the same rim-width specification even though they fit the same diameter.

The 1934 Pierce Arrow 40A has 700-17 tire options in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall styles. Those choices give the owner room to tailor the car’s visual character, from a more restrained touring look to a more formal restoration-oriented presentation.

Sidewall style should be chosen with the car’s finish level and period feel in mind rather than treated as a purely decorative detail. On a prewar luxury automobile, whitewall treatment changes the stance and presence of the vehicle, so many owners compare the look they want before narrowing the choice by brand or tire series.

The 1934 Pierce Arrow 40A has 700-17 tire options from Firestone and Ensign. Within those brands, available choices include Firestone Balloon and Ensign B5 series, giving buyers a mix of traditional tread and sidewall presentations in the correct vintage size.

Brand choice should still come after confirming the right size and wheel compatibility. Once that is settled, it becomes easier to compare whether a Firestone Balloon or Ensign B5 better matches the desired look of the car, especially if the restoration leans toward blackwall simplicity or a more prominent whitewall treatment.

A period-style 1934 Pierce Arrow 40A should begin with the correct 700-17 bias-ply size. From there, the most useful distinctions are the tire series and the sidewall treatment, since Firestone Balloon and Ensign B5 offerings create different visual impressions while staying within the proper vintage format.

Many restorers choose by balancing historical character with the specific presentation of the car, whether that means a more understated blackwall or a more formal whitewall appearance. If exact originality is the goal, marque references and restoration photos are worth checking before settling on a particular sidewall style.

Tire construction matters visually on a restored 1934 Pierce Arrow 40A because bias-ply tires carry the profile and period character most buyers expect on a prewar automobile. In this application, the primary fitment is a 700-17 bias-ply, which supports the car’s traditional stance and overall visual balance.

Appearance is influenced not only by size but also by the way the tire sits on the wheel and fills the fender opening. That is why restorers often focus on maintaining the proper size format first, then refining the look through sidewall choice and tire series rather than treating any 17-inch tire as visually equivalent.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1934 Pierce Arrow 40A even when the intended tire size remains 700-17. Changes to wheels, suspension height, brake components, or bodywork can alter clearance and change whether a given tire sits correctly within the original wheel and fender relationship.

That is especially important on collector cars that may have been altered decades ago during earlier restorations. A close inspection of wheel diameter, wheel width, steering clearance, and fender clearance helps prevent surprises, and it is wise to verify the current setup before choosing among 700-17 products with different rim-width requirements.

Before driving a 1934 Pierce Arrow 40A on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve hardware, and overall condition of the chassis components that influence tire behavior. It also helps to confirm that the tires are mounted on the correct 17-inch rims and that inflation is appropriate for the selected tire and vehicle use.

A short pre-drive check should include sidewall condition, seating on the rim, visible clearance at the front wheels during steering, and any sign of rubbing once the car is on the ground. On a low-use prewar car, checking brake operation, suspension condition, and any air loss after installation is just as important as the tire itself.

700-17 tires on a collector 1934 Pierce Arrow 40A should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Collector cars often spend long periods parked, so sidewall cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and gradual air loss deserve attention even when tread wear looks minimal.

Storage conditions make a real difference on seldom-driven cars. Keeping the vehicle away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires, and periodic inspection remains important because age and inactivity can matter as much as mileage on a prewar automobile.